Light scattering techniques are commonly used to characterize macromolecules in terms of their absolute molecular weight, size and second virial coefficient. This seminar will provide an overview of the fundamentals and applications of Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Both techniques can either be applied in stand-alone (batch) mode as well as coupled to liquid chromatography, e.g. size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) or field flow fractionation (FFF). When used with a separation system, light scattering detection can additionally be used for the assessment of size heterogeneity (aggregation and fragmentation), molecular weight distribution, compositional heterogeneity (protein conjugates and copolymers), conformational analysis, and branching.

Target Audience

This is an introductory course, and no previous light scatting experience is required. The course is suited for scientists in the pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology and medical device industry, as well as researchers working in academic or government labs who wish to learn how light scattering can help them characterize their proteins and (bio)polymers.

Course Outline

Course OutlineTopic 1: Fundamentals of Light Scattering- What is Light Scattering?- Molecular Properties Determined by Light Scattering- How Molecular Weight, Size (Rms Radius) and Second Virial Coefficients are Measured by MALS- How the Size (Hydrodynamic Radius) is Measured by DLS

Dr. Sigrid Kuebler is a Senior Application Scientist at Wyatt Technology, where she directs Wyatt’s Light Scattering University programs. She is also a member of the Analytical Laboratory Services group. Before joining Wyatt, she worked at Symyx Technologies (now Freeslate), where she developed various high-throughput screening techniques for materials characterization. She studied Chemistry at the University of Mainz, the University of Toronto, and performed her doctoral work at the Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research.